goals of constructivist teaching - nc state universityjlnietfe/edp304_notes_files/instruction… ·...
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Constructivism
Individuals are active agents inconstructing their own knowledge duringthe course of interaction with theenvironment. Thinking is an activeprocess whereby people organize theirperceptions of the world.
Goals of ConstructivistTeaching:
• Encourage knowledge formation• Encourage metacognitive processes for
judging, organizing, and acquiringinformation
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Example of Constructivist Teaching:Robin Williams character in DeadPoet’s Society is a prime exampleof constructivist teaching. Heencourages:
Personal interest
Background knowledge
Active learning
An emphasis on personal meaning
Critical thinking
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Direct Instruction
Particularly effective when teachingcontent/procedural skills that have:
1. Specific set of identifiable operations orprocedures
2. Can be illustrated with a large and variednumber of examples
3. Can be developed through practice
Phases of Direct Instruction
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Tips for improving D.I.• Probe often & observe wait time• Ask questions that promote active rather
than passive thinking• Bring in anything to increase
attention/interest (e.g. props, guest speaker,visuals, multimedia)
• Exude energy and express personal interest• Give many concrete examples• Be creative; don’t lecture from text!
Discovery LearningAdvantages• Arouses curiosity• Encourages independent problem solving• Encourages the development of critical thinking skillsDisadvantages• Requires special materials• Extensive preparation• Frustration• Typically not as effective for low-ability students
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What defines Cooperative Learning?
• Positive interdependence• Individual accountability• Structured activities• Team goals/rewards• A focus on higher-order thinking after
presentation of basic information
2 Specific types of Cooperative Learning
STAD (Student Teams AchievementDivisions)
• Form heterogeneous groups (ability,gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• Compete for rewards based uponimprovement of scores as a group
Jigsaw• Have “experts” within each group who
teach other group members